What Happened When I Finally Spoke Up
Just me sharing what happened and how you should really put yourself out there.
I used to think I had to keep it all in.
The things I’d been through, the thoughts I wrestled with, the quiet ways life had changed me.
I didn’t see the point in sharing them. I thought, “Who needs to hear this? It’s not that deep.”
And if I’m honest, I didn’t want to be seen in that way. Vulnerable. Flawed. Human.
But one day, I broke that rule.
Not because I was suddenly brave. But because I was tired.
Tired of pretending I had to sound smart all the time. Tired of editing the emotion out of my words. Tired of sitting on things I knew someone else might be carrying too.
So I posted a short note. I wrote about what it’s like to feel stuck in between not where you used to be, not yet where you want to be. I didn’t try to make it inspiring. I didn’t wrap it up in a pretty bow. I just told the truth.
A few hours later, someone replied with three words I’ll never forget:
“I needed this.”
That was it.
I honestly feel the chills, even as am writing this, because this made me realize my story matters.
There’s this quiet lie that goes around that your story only matters if it’s shiny or complete. That you should wait until you’ve healed before you share. That visibility is self-indulgent.
But I have learned that Visibility is service.
Sometimes, the most generous thing you can do is let someone see you mid-process to name something they haven’t found words for yet.
I didn’t get that until it happened to me. Until someone was honest first, and I felt less alone because of it.
And then, I became that person for someone else.
I made these for the days you want to hide but still need to post.
50 low-pressure prompts that are built to help you show up without burnout and they actually sound like you.
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I get it, it’s terrifying to show up when you feel unpolished.
But someone out there is waiting for your voice. Not your performance.
Your real voice. The one that almost didn’t make it out.
If you’ve been hiding your story, maybe this is your sign.
You don’t need the perfect caption.
You don’t need 100 likes.
You just need one honest moment that lands in the right inbox.
💬 Because “I needed this” will always matter more than “this went viral.”
Thanks for reading The Curious Pen.
Reply if this made you feel something. I read every one.
And if you’ve been thinking of someone while reading this, forward it to them. Maybe they need it too.
WHAT YOU MISSED:
Yes, it feels even I needed to hear this. I appreciate the honesty. Keep going and keep sharing! Gratitudes to you!